January 18, 2012

Mike Colaillo, WWII Medal of Honor Recipient passes away at 86

We are sadden by the loss of Minnesota's last living Medal of Honor Recipients, Mike Colalillo. In 2005, Brian's Foundation established the Mike Colalillo Scholarship of Honor at Denfeld High School in Duluth, MN.

Mike Colalillo holding the Scholarship of Honor Medal in 2005

Mike graduated from Denfeld High School in 1944. One year later, while serving in World War II, Colalillo went above and beyond the call of duty leading his men on an attack against enemy forces in Germany. In the face of savage artillery, machinegun fire, and almost certain death, he was committed to protecting others on the battlefield, and our freedoms here at home. President Truman presented Colalillo the Medal of Honor on December 18, 1945.

Mike with Guy and Karen Smith, good friends of Mike's and sponsor of the
Mike Colalillo Scholarship of Honor at Denfeld High School

He was a wonderful, humble man who will be missed by his community and his country.